Harold Williams, a native of New Orleans, attended Texas State Tech Institute in Waco. He also attended West Bank Votech (New Orleans) and is a qualified heavy equipment operator. He was employed with New Orleans UA Plumbers Local 60 as a plumber/steamfitter. He also attended Deisel Driving Academy, drove for 30 years, and trained others for 15 years.
From 1971-1975, Harold served in the Airforce with the 377 Air Command at Davis Mountain Airbase in Tucson, AZ. He earned the Marksmanship Ribbon for shooting. He was stationed in Thailand at Thi Royal Airbase and served a short time in Saigon. He was also in the Army Reserve in New Orleans from 1976-1977.
Those are some of the many reasons why Morgan Williamson nominated Harold to represent the Gulf States PGA as one of 20 Ambassadors to participate in PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week (NG & WW) in Washington, D.C. for 2022. PGA HOPE is a flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. PGA HOPE NG & WW is a unique opportunity for Veterans who are motivated to excel in their personal rehabilitation journey and represent their local PGA HOPE community on a national level.
Ambassadors play an instrumental role in planning, strategizing, and executing PGA HOPE programs. In addition, Harold will receive a tool kit of new skills focused on advanced golf instruction and impactful wellness training. This curriculum is an extension of what Veterans have been learning throughout the years at their home PGA HOPE programs.
Harold started PGA HOPE in the fall of 2018. Morgan commented, “Harold has always been a positive influence on others in the class and encourages new participants. He is the first person to greet a new team member and is the last person to leave. He is often seeking out other team members to learn their story, provide guidance, and show compassion for their journey.”
When Harold started PGA HOPE, he had never played golf. Over the past 3 years, Harold has utilized golf as a form of therapy. He is known amongst the entire staff at Bayou Oaks at City Park because he is there 3-4 times a week to work on his short game, interact with the staff, and support the facility. He always wears his PGA HOPE apparel and promotes the program to others. Harold has started meeting Veterans at the Veterans Affairs hospital to help them get involved in all sport therapy programs such as yoga, golf, pickleball, and basketball.
In his pastime, you can find Harold swimming, practicing yoga, or participating in tai chi. Harold also volunteers his time at the VA Hospital escorting patients to their doctors’ appointments, answering questions at the front desk, and serving as a volunteer photographer. He always has fun dressing up for Halloween and making people smile at the hospital.
The Gulf States currently has PGA HOPE chapters in New Orleans and Shreveport, as well as new programs starting soon in Jackson, Gulf Port, and Lake Charles. For more information please email Morgan Williamson at mwilliamson@pgahq.com.